Hi all.

I can't get any paracord (mil-spec or other) in my area. What other cord/rope can i use to substitute this in PSK's, etc.? At the moment, I use nylon cord (the stuff used for kites), which isn't nearly ideal. I want to 'upgrade' to rockclimbers accesory cord, but I don't know what Strengh/type/thickness to get. Any suggestions?

I use Cousin 3mm climbing accessory cord. Its as strong as most 'cheapo' para cords but is a lot less bulky. I still find it thick enough to knot easily. I managed to find 1 spool of olive green with a light green fleck in my local store - bonus.

Thanks Casual Hero.

Do you know the strength of that 3mm cord? Do you know the strength of 5mm cord (the same thickness as 550 paracord)?

Oh, and what is the accesory cord used for in climbing?

WOFT--

This isn't "in your area", but you may be able to find what you need...

ParaGear sells parachuting supplies. Their web site is:
www.paragear.com. ( I think I got it initially from someone on this forum.)

On the left side of their home page, choose "Raw Materials", then "Suspension Line". Look at Item: W9690 YARD - TYPE III NYLON CORD . It's the classic 7-strand "550-cord", available in different colors.]

They also offer many other useful items.

I couldn't find a way to order from their website; it appears they want fax/mail/phone orders. They do accept foreign orders.

Climbing accessory cord is quite useful, too. I probably use it more than paracord--especially when I want higher visibility. I have lanyards of 3 or 4mm diameter bright orange cord on my large (6volt & up) flashlights, and on a couple of my emergency knives. The knives themselves are subdued finish, and the bright cord makes it much easier to find should I drop one outdoors.

Mammut makes 2mm accessory cord (braided, not kernmantle). I have bright red on several SAKs & a couple of compasses that did not come with lanyards.

In the USA, Kelty markets a package of Spectra-based line they call "TripTease". It's about a 2mm cord, yellow-gold, with retro-reflexive fibers throughout it. Kelty sells it as a replacement for tent guylines--it shows up well in low light, & reflects a flashlight beam when illuminated. Having Spectra fibers (used in soft body armor) gives it tremendous strength, but it's expensive. I've only seen it once in a bulk roll. It's good stuff, if you can find it.

Good luck.

David

Here's a list of strengths and uses:

REMEMBER - EACH MANUFACTURERS CORDS ARE TO DIFFERENT SPECS. PLEASE CHECK.

3mm 155 daN Utility cord, guy-lines, draw-cords

4mm 320 daN Utility cord, boot laces

5mm 500 daN Prussik Slings, etriers

6mm 720 daN Nut Slings, Prussik Slings, abseil slings

7mm 980 daN Nut slings, haul rope

8mm 1280daN rescue prussic slings, anchor slings, nut slings, emergency rope***

***MASSIVE HEALTH WARNING*** As an emergency rope, accessory cord is STATIC, not DYNAMIC; It will fail under a leader fall.

REMEMBER - check the manufacturers specs, and get appropriate training.

Cheers, Scott

David.

Thanks for the info. I see that just after the 'type 3' cord they have a 'type 4' - Same diameter (3/16"), but rated at 340 kg (750 lb). it has 11 inner strands. that might also be quite usefull.

Casual Hero.

Thanks for the info. that gives me a good idea about the usefulness of the different diameters. Do you know of a website that can explain some of the terms that you use?

A new indoor climbing gym has opened quite close to where i live. I've climed before and really enjiyd it, so this gym (and your info <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />) might just get me started on a new money-guzzling form of entertainment <img src="images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />!!!)
thanks!